For the Film Buff
Star Expert:
Robert O'Brien Associate Professor of History at Lone Star College–CyFair has started a film series and film club at the college. This spring he's teaching “History of American Movies (HIST 2351), which is available as a credit or CE course.” His other big project is a film series, which will feature more than 20 films and will be open to the community. Each film will be presented by a professor, who has a keen interest in the film and is knowledgeable about the film's content.
Coming attractions:
The holiday season is when the studios release many of their Oscar contenders: Two to watch are Girl With a Pearl Earring and Cold Mountain. Both are based on critically praised novels that were bestsellers.
Movies that will probably fly under the radar:
In America, which is about Irish immigrants in the U.S. during the 1980s, features a stellar performance by Samantha Morton an up-and-comer. The Cooler is also getting a lot of buzz because of the performances by the under-rated William H. Macy and Alec Baldwin. The Alamo with Billy Bob Thornton got its release date pushed back from December to April, which is not a good sign. Perhaps it is history repeating itself. The 1960 version of The Alamo had its share of problems, too. John Wayne (who directed) had to use much of his own money to get the spectacle made.
In the DVD and CD store
An overlooked film from this year that is now on DVD is Whale Rider. The New Zealand movie focuses on a young girl's aspirations to be her Maori tribe's future leader. The film works on several levels so both children and adults will enjoy it.
Coffee table books and biographies:
The New Biographical Dictionary of Film by David Thomson is a joy to read and addictive. Cameron Crowe's Conversations with Wilder is a delight as one of Hollywood's best young directors interviews a Hollywood legend (Billy Wilder) several years before he died. The book is filled with many wonderful photos.
Best Information site about Films:
Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) has the most comprehensive listing of credits and facts for most American and foreign films. The cross-referencing links are never-ending. This page should be bookmarked by all movie lovers.
For more information about Professor O'Brien, the History of American Movies Course and the Lone Star College–CyFair Film Series visit his Web site at http://faculty.nhmccd.edu/robobrien, or email him at robert.obrien@lonestar.edu or phone 281-290-3257.
Learn more about Lone Star College–CyFair's degree programs.